MERCED, CA (September 14, 2022) – Maria Zaragoza, 75, of Planada, was tragically killed while Fedelina Gonzalez was seriously injured on September 8 after a collision involving a PG&E truck.
Merced Police Sgt. Nathan McKinnon says Zaragoza was a passenger in a Scion xB when it collided with a Dodge Ram PG&E truck. The accident occurred at around 6:02 a.m. at East Childs Avenue and Kibby Road.
Aaron Buenrostro, 35, of Manteca, was driving the PG&E truck eastbound on East Childs Avenue while the Scion xB was driven by Fedelina Gonzalez, 67, of Planada, heading westbound.
Buenrostro attempted to turn left onto Kibby Road as he was heading to a PG&E facility when he struck Gonzalez’s Scion, where Maria Zaragoza was a passenger.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures on Zaragoza, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fedelina Gonzalez was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment following what Sgt. McKinnon described as a “relatively high-speed impact.”
Drugs or alcohol are not considered to be factors in this accident.
Liability In Merced Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21801, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Maria Zaragoza’s Accident with a PG&E Truck
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Maria Zaragoza, and also wish Fedelina Gonzalez a speedy recovery. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Merced car accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.